Garoua, cameroon“>Cameroon — In a dramatic turn of events, cameroon“>Cameroon’s leading opposition figure, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, has declared himself the winner of the country’s recent presidential election, calling on longtime President Paul Biya to concede defeat.
The announcement came early Tuesday morning in a nearly five-minute video message posted on social media, where Tchiroma stood before the Cameroonian national flag in his hometown of Garoua, confidently proclaiming that the people had chosen him as their new leader.
“The people have chosen, and this choice must be respected,” Tchiroma said, urging President Biya to “honour the truth of the ballot box.”
His declaration, made before any official announcement by the Constitutional Council, has sparked tension and uncertainty in the Central African nation — a country already grappling with decades of political dominance by one man and mounting calls for democratic change.
For more than 43 years, Paul Biya has ruled cameroon“>Cameroon, making him one of the world’s longest-serving and oldest heads of state at 92. His leadership, marked by both stability and controversy, has faced growing criticism in recent years over alleged corruption, youth unemployment, and separatist conflicts in the Anglophone regions.
Tchiroma, a former government spokesman and once a trusted ally of Biya, broke away from the ruling elite earlier this year to challenge his old mentor. His decision to run for president under the banner of a united opposition coalition brought him into the national spotlight, especially after his resignation from government in June.
Since then, Tchiroma’s campaign rallies have drawn massive crowds and won endorsements from several civic and political groups seeking an end to Biya’s decades-long rule. Many observers believe his movement has given the opposition its strongest momentum in years.
An Unofficial Victory
In his Tuesday address, Tchiroma claimed that early results compiled by his campaign agents showed he had secured a decisive lead in most regions of the country.
While he did not present specific figures, he described the results as “a clear sanction” of Biya’s administration and “the beginning of a new era for cameroon“>Cameroon.”
He also extended gratitude to what he called “rival candidates who have already congratulated me and recognized the will of the people,” suggesting that some of his competitors have privately acknowledged his claimed victory.
“The people have spoken clearly. This is a moment of truth for our democracy,” Tchiroma declared.
He urged the military and government institutions to “stay on the side of the Republic” and “not allow anyone to divert them from their duty to protect the people.”
The Cameroonian government, however, has yet to issue any official reaction to Tchiroma’s self-declaration. But before the announcement, Minister of Territorial Administration Paul Atanga Nji had issued a strong warning, emphasizing that only the Constitutional Council has the legal right to announce election results.
“Any unilateral declaration of victory or publication of results is considered high treason,” Nji stated, reminding political actors to respect the constitution.
Under cameroon“>Cameroon’s electoral law, preliminary results can be posted at polling stations, but final nationwide tallies must be verified and proclaimed by the Constitutional Council—a process that could take up to October 26.
The Council, dominated by figures appointed by Biya, has 15 days after the election to declare the official winner. Until then, Tchiroma’s claim remains symbolic but legally nonbinding.
Tchiroma’s unilateral declaration has stirred a wave of reactions both online and on the streets. Supporters of his National Unity Movement took to social media to celebrate what they called a “victory of the people.” Videos circulating online showed jubilant youths chanting and waving his campaign banners in Garoua and parts of Yaoundé.
However, government supporters dismissed his claim as premature and provocative. Some ruling party members accused Tchiroma of trying to “incite unrest” and “undermine democratic institutions.”
Political analysts warn that the declaration could heighten tensions in the country, especially if both camps begin mobilizing their supporters before official results are released.
“This is a very delicate moment for cameroon“>Cameroon,” said Dr. Alain Mvondo, a political science lecturer at the University of Douala. “If not handled carefully, such declarations could spark unnecessary confrontation or even violence. The country needs calm and patience.”
Issa Tchiroma Bakary’s political journey has been a remarkable one. For over two decades, he served as an ally and spokesman for President Biya’s government, defending some of its most controversial policies. His defection earlier this year surprised many within the ruling circle.
Tchiroma justified his departure by saying he could “no longer remain silent in the face of injustice and stagnation.” His message of change, unity, and youth inclusion resonated widely, particularly among younger voters frustrated by years of unemployment and limited political freedom.
His critics, however, accuse him of opportunism, arguing that he only turned against Biya after being sidelined from the inner circle of power. Yet, his ability to rally the opposition and gain visibility has made him a formidable challenger in an election many once predicted would be another routine victory for the incumbent.
With official results still pending, the political future of cameroon“>Cameroon hangs in the balance. While Tchiroma insists that “the people have spoken,” the government maintains that due process must be followed before anyone can claim victory.
Observers say the next few days will be critical. If Tchiroma’s supporters continue to mobilize while the government tightens security, the country could face heightened political tension.
International observers, including the African Union (AU) and European Union (EU), have urged all parties to remain calm and respect legal procedures. Both bodies have noted irregularities in past elections and have called for transparency this time around.
For many Cameroonians, weary after decades of political continuity, the 2025 election represents a moment of reckoning — a test of whether the nation’s institutions can truly reflect the people’s will.
As one resident in Yaoundé put it,
“We are waiting for peace, not chaos. Let the truth of the ballot box speak for itself.”
This report was produced by the editorial team at The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World in line with our commitment to accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism. Information in this article is based on verified sources available at the time of publication. The Gazette News | Latest News In Nigeria & the World may update the story as new facts emerge or additional context becomes available.
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